In this one-session study for adults, we'll consider the faith of George Washington and its implications for society today. Participants will also name what makes us consider a political leader "religious" and whether or not a strong faith is a requirement for holding political office.
The logic behind the debate over religion and the founders is based on the following assumptions: Christian founders would have surely established a uniquely Christian nation, while non-Christian founders would have envisioned a nation that kept issues of church and state separate.
Such a formula for thinking about the roots of the United States fails for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is the fact that the specific religious beliefs of many of the American founders are difficult to nail down with any degree of certainty. This is especially true of George Washington, who was quiet about his faith. His references to God were quite vague and there is little about them to suggest he believed in the Judeo-Christian God of history.
On the other hand, Washington was very concerned about how religion might contribute to the moral fabric of the United States. In his "Farewell Address" of 1796 he devoted two paragraphs to religion. Washington wrote: "Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports."
If Washington were alive today, he would no doubt be surprised that so many people are interested in his religious convictions. Nevertheless, he did leave enough evidence for us to construct a very general outline of his religious life, which serves as the basis of this study.